MXPA04012942A - Combination dry and absorbent floor mop/wipe. - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a single cleaning sheet which allows a user to dry clean a surface with a cleaning sheet that attracts dust, dirt, debris and other particles, while providing absorbency to absorb any cleaning fluid used in a subsequent cleaning operation, in particular for stains and other dirt or debris which is not attracted to the cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet of the present invention has first side and a second side, the first side is on an opposite side of the cleaning sheet from the second side, wherein the first side has the ability to attract and retain dirt, dust, debris and other particles and the second side has the ability to absorb fluids. Also disclosed in a method of cleaning a surface using the cleaning sheet of the present invention.

Description

COMBINATION OF FLOOR DRAPER / DRY CLEANER AND ABSORBENT CLOTH Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a cleaning sheet having a first side which captures and maintains dust, debris from earth and other particles and a second side which is capable of absorbing fluids.

Antecedeites of the Invention Currently, commercially available cleaning sheets are one, three-type. These types of cleaning sheets include wet cleaning sheets, dry cleaning sheets, and sheets to clean absorbent. Wet cleaning sheets typically contain a cleaning fluid and are preferably saturated with the cleaning fluid. While a surface is cleaned with the wet cleaning sheet, the cleaning solution is released from the cleaning sheet to solubilize any soil on the surface to be cleaned so that the wet cleaning sheet can collect and retain the soil. By contrast, a dry cleaning sheet contains no fluid to clean. Instead, a dry cleaning blade is one that has a structure that attracts or retains dirt, dust, debris and other particles. In this first type of a dry cleaning sheet, no fluid is necessary to clean the surface to be cleaned. The absorbent cleaning sheet absorbs and retains liquids applied from a separate source, such as spray cans, to the surface to be cleaned. The absorbent cleaning sheet is dry until it is used to absorb and retain liquids.

Many sheets for cleaning different dry are known in the art. For example, U.S. Patent No. 6,245,413 discloses a dry cleaning sheet which attracts dust and retains dust within the structure of the sheet for cleaning. Even when these cleaning sheets attract and retain large particles from the cleaned surfaces, they do not effectively remove the powder physically coupled to the surface to be cleaned. Commercially available dried cleaning sheets of the first type are available from S.C. Johnson and Sons, Racine, Wisconsin, under the brand name Grab-It ™ Dry Cloths and The Proctor and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, under the name Swiffer ™ Dry.

The absorbent cleaning sheet is designed to absorb liquids. For example, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,960,508 and 6,101,661 each disclose a cleaning sheet which exhibits a controlled rate of fluid absorbency to reduce the amount of cleaning fluid needed to clean a surface. Current commercially available absorbent cleaning sheets and cleaning increments include the Swiffer ™ Wet Jet, available from The Proctor and Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, and the Grab-It ™ Go Mop, available from S.C. Johnson and Sons, Racine, Wisconsin.

Currently, a user wishing to clean a surface with both the attractive dry cleaning sheet and the dry absorbent cleaning sheet should have both dry cleaning sheets and sheets to clean easily available absorbent. However, having both types of leaves available for cleaning requires additional storage space, the need to ensure that both sheets are available, at the time of cleaning and the need to have a mop or an impediment to clean which is Available to retain both types of sheets during use. There is no cleaning sheet available on the market which allows the user to effectively clean a surface that uses both dry-cleanliness and absorbent cleaning. Therefore, there is a need in the art for cleaning sheets which allow a user to dry dry a surface and to absorb a fluid for cleaning using a sheet for simple cleaning.

Synthesis of the Invention The present invention provides a simple cleaning sheet which allows a user to dry clean a surface with a cleaning sheet that attracts dust, dirt, debris and other particles, while providing absorbency to absorb any fluid to clean used in a subsequent cleaning operation, in particular for stains and other debris or dirt which are not attracted to the sheet for cleaning. The cleaning sheet of the present invention has a first surface and a second surface, the first surface is on an opposite side of the sheet for cleaning the second surface, wherein the first surface has the ability to attract and retain soil, dust, debris and other particles and the second surface that has the ability to absorb fluids.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 shows a cross section of an exemplary cleaning sheet of the present invention.

Figures 2? and 2B show a cross section of another sheet for cleaning example of the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a cross section of an exemplary cleaning sheet of the present invention, with a barrier cover between the two surfaces. Figure 4 illustrates a cleaning implement of the present invention.

Definitions As used herein, the term "comprising" is inclusive or open ended and does not exclude additional non-described elements, compositional components, or steps of the method.

As used herein, "the term" which "consists essentially of" does not exclude the presence of additional materials which do not significantly affect the desired characteristics of a given composition or product. Exemplary materials of this type may include, without limitation, the pigments, antioxidants, stabilizers, surfactants, waxes, flow promoters, particles and aggregate materials to improve the process of the composition.

As used herein, the term "polymer" generally includes but is not limited to homopolymers, copolymers, such as, for example, block, graft, random and alternating copolymers, terpolymers, etc. and -the mixtures and modifications thereof. In addition, unless otherwise specifically limited, the term "polymer" should include all possible geometric configurations of the material. These configurations include, but are not limited to, isotactic, syndiotactic and random symmetries.

As used herein, the term "fiber" which flows both short fibers, for example, fibers which have a defined length between about 19 millimeters and about 60 millimeters, fibers longer than short fibers but which do not they are continuous, and continuous fibers, which are sometimes called "substantially continuous filaments" or simply "filaments". The method in which the fiber is prepared can determine whether the fiber is a short fiber or a continuous filament.

As used herein the term "monocomponent" fiber refers to a fiber formed from one or more extruders using only one polymer. This does not mean excluding fibers formed from a polymer to which small amounts of adhesives have been added by color, antistatic properties, lubrication, hydrophilicity, etc. These additives, for example titanium dioxide for color, are generally present in an amount of less than 5% by weight and more typically around 2% by weight.

As used herein, the term "multi-component fibers" refers to fibers which have been formed from at least two polymers, or the same polymer with different properties or additives, extruded from separate extruders but bonded together to form a fiber. Multi-component fibers are also sometimes referred to as conjugate fibers or two-component fibers. The polymers are arranged in distinct zones substantially constantly 'placed across the cross section of the multi-component fibers and continuously spread along the length of the multi-component fibers. The configuration of such multi-component fiber can be, for example, a pod / core arrangement where one, polymer is surrounded by another, or it can be a side by side arrangement, an arrangement of "islands in the sea", or arranged as wedge-shaped cake or as strips in a fiber of round, oval or rectangular cross section. Multicomponent fibers are taught in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,108,820 issued to Kaneko et al., In U.S. Patent No. 5,336,552 issued to Strack et al., And in the patent. of the United States of America No. 5,382,400 granted to Pike et al. For the two component fibers, the polymers may be present in proportions of 75/25, 50/50, -25/75 or any other desired proportions.

As used herein the term "fiber of two constituents" or "fiber of multiple constituents" refers to a fiber formed from at least two polymers, or the same polymer with different properties or additives, extruded from the same extruder as a mixture. where the polymers are not fixed. in distinct zones substantially constantly placed across the cross section of the multi-component fibers. Fibers of this general type are described in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,108,837 issued to Gessner.

As used herein the term "non-woven fabric" or "non-woven material" means a fabric having a structure of individual fibers or of filaments which are interlaced, but not in an identifiable manner as in a woven or knitted fabric. . Non-woven fabrics have been formed from many processes such as, for example, meltblowing processes, spinning processes, air laying processes, and carded fabric processes. The basis weight of the non-woven fabrics is usually expressed in grams per square meter (gsm) or in ounces of material per square yard (osy) and the useful fiber diameters are usually expressed in microns. (Note that to convert from ounces per square yard to grams per square meter, multiply ounces per square yard by 33.91).

As used herein, the term "blow with fusion" or "blown with fusion" or refers to the fibers formed by extruding a molten thermoplastic Raterial through a plurality of capillary, usually circular, thin vessels such as filaments or fused filaments in streams (eg, air) of high velocity hot gas converging which attenuate the filaments of molten thermoplastic material to reduce their diameters. Then, the meltblown fibers are transported by the high velocity gas stream and are deposited on a collection surface to form a randomly dispersed meltblown fabric. Such a process is described, for example, in United States Patent No. 3,849,241 issued to Butin, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Meltblown processes can be used to make fibers of various dimensions, including macro fibers (with average diameters from around 40 to about 100 microns), textile-type fibers (with average diameters between about 10 and around 40 microns), and microfibers (with average diameters of less than about 10 microns). Meltblowing processes are particularly suitable for making microfibres, which include ultra-fine microfibers (with average diameters of about 3 microns or less). The meltblown fibers may be continuous or discontinuous, and are generally self-supporting when deposited on a collection surface.

As used herein, the term "spunbond" or "spunbond" refers to a nonwoven web prepared from small diameter fibers of molecularly oriented polymeric material. The spunbonded fibers can be formed by extruding molten thermoplastic material as filaments from a plurality of usually circular, fine capillaries of a spinning organ with the diameter of the extruded filaments then being rapidly reduced as in, for example, the patent of United States of America No. 4,340,563 granted to Appel et al. and in United States of America Patent No. 3,692,618 issued to Dorschner et al. in United States of America No. 3,802,817 issued to atsuki. and others, in the patents of the United States of America Nos. 3,338,992 and 3,341,394 granted to Kinney, in the patent of the United States of America No. 3,502,763 granted to Hartman, in the patent of the United States of America No. 3, 542, 615 issued to Dobo et al., And in United States Patent No. 5,382,400 issued to Pike et al. Spunbonded fibers are generally non-tacky when they are deposited on a collection surface and are generally continuous. Spunbonded fibers are often about 10 microns or greater in diameter. However, fabrics bonded with fine fiber yarn (having an average fiber diameter of less than about 10 microns) can be achieved by various methods including, but not limited to, those described in the commonly assigned US patent. United States of America No. 6,200, 669 granted to Mar on and others, and in United States Patent No. 5,759,926 issued to Pike et al., Each is therefore hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As used herein, the phrase "bonded carded fabric" or "bc" refers to fabrics that are made of short fibers which are sent through a carding or combing unit, which separates or breaks part and aligns the short fibers in the direction of itiaquine to form a fibrous nonwoven fabric generally oriented in the direction of the machine. Such fibers are usually purchased in bales which are placed in an opener / mixer or in a collector which separates the fibers before the carding unit. Once the tissue is formed, it is then joined by one or more of several known joining methods. One such method of attachment is the binding with powder, wherein a powder adhesive is distributed through the fabric and then activated, usually by heating the fabric and the adhesive with hot air. Another suitable joining method is pattern bonding, where hot calendered rolls or an ultrasonic bonding machine is used to join the fibers together, usually in a localized bonding pattern, although the fabric can be bonded across its entire surface if so desired. Another very well-known and suitable joining method, particularly when short fibers of two components are used, is the continuous air union.

The "laying with air" or "air-laid fabric" is a well-known process by which a fibrous non-woven layer can be formed. In the air binding process, bundles of small fibers that have typical lengths in the range from about 3 to about 19 millimeters (m) are separated and introduced into an air supply and then deposited on a formation screen, usually with the assistance of a vacuum supply. The fibers are randomly deposited and then bonded to another using, for example, hot air or spray adhesive.

As used herein, continuous air bonding or " " means a process of joining a nonwoven fiber fabric in which the air, which is hot enough to melt one of the polymers which fibers of the fabric are made , it is forced through the tissue. The air speed is between 100 and 500 feet per minute and the waiting time can be as long as 10 seconds. The melting and resolidification of the polymer provide the bond. Bonding with continuous air has relatively restricted variability since the union with continuous air requires the melting of at least one component to achieve the union, it is generally restricted to fabrics with two components such as fibers of multiple components or those which include an adhesive In the continuous air binder, air having a temperature above the melting temperature of one component and below the melting temperature of another component is directed from a surrounding envelope, through the fabric, and into the fabric. perforated roller that holds the fabric. Alternatively, the continuous air binder may be a flat arrangement wherein the air is vertically directed downward into the fabric. The operating conditions of the two configurations are similar, the main difference being the geometry of the fabric during joining. The hot air melted the lower casting polymer component and thus formed bonds between the filaments to integrate the fabric.

As used herein, the "thermal spot bond" involves passing the fabric or fiber fabric or other sheet layer material to be joined between a hot calendered roll and an anvil roll. The calendered roll is usually, but not always, patterned on its surface in some way so that the entire fabric is not bonded through its entire surface. As a result, several patterns for calendered rolls have been developed for functional as well as aesthetic reasons. An example of a pattern has points and is the Hansen Pennings pattern or "H &P "with about 30% bond area with about 200 joints per square inch as taught in U.S. Patent No. 3,855,046 issued to Hansen at Pennings. It has areas and union of square or needle point where each needle has a side dimension of 0.038 inches (0.965 millimeters), a separation of 0.070 inches (1.778 millimeters) between needles, and a bond depth of 0.023 inches (0.584 millimeters) The resulting pattern has a bound area of about 29.5% Another typical point-union pattern is the Hansen and expanded Pennings junction pattern or "EHP" which produces a 15% area of union with a square needle. which has a side dimension of 0.037 inches (0.94 millimeters), a needle gap of 0.097 inches (2.464 millimeters) and a depth of 0.039 inches (0.991 millimeters) .Other common patterns included in a diamond pattern with diamond lig they are out of phase and repeated and a woven wire pattern that looks like the name suggests, for example as a window screen. Typically, the percentage of bond area varies from about 10% to about 30% of the area of the laminated woven fabric. The thermal bonding imparts integrity to the individual layers by bonding fibers within the layer and / or for the multilayer laminates, the knit bonding holds the layers together to form a cohesive laminate.

As used herein, "not patterned" or interchangeably "unbonded knit pattern" or "PUB", means a pattern fabric having continuous bonded areas defining a plurality of discrete unbonded areas. The fibers or filaments within the discrete unattached areas are dimensionally stabilized by the continuous bonded areas surrounding or surrounding each unbonded area, such that no support or film or adhesive reinforcement layer is required. The unbonded areas are specifically designed to allow spaces between the fibers or filaments within the unbonded areas, an appropriate process for forming the unbonded non-woven material with pattern of this invention includes providing a non-woven or woven fabric, which provides oppositely placed a first and second calendered rollers and defining a pressure point between them, with at least one of said rollers is heated and has a bonding pattern on its outermost surface comprising a continuous pattern of areas Plain defining a plurality of discrete openings, holes or holes, and passing the fabric or non-woven fabric within the pressure point formed by said rollers. Each of the openings in said roller or rollers defined by the continuous planar areas form a discrete unattached area in at least one surface of the fabric or the non-woven fabric in which the fibers or filaments are substantially or completely not United. Alternately described, and the continuous pattern of plain areas in said roll or rolls forms a continuous pattern of joined areas defining a plurality of discrete unattached areas in at least one surface of said nonwoven fabric or fabric. The unbonded pattern with unbonded knit pattern or pattern is further described in U.S. Patent No. 5,858,515 issued to Stokes et al., The entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference.

As it is used here,. The term "cleaning sheet" or "cleaning cloth sheet" is intended to include any fabric which is used to clean an article or surface. Examples of cleaning sheets include, but are not limited to, fabric materials that contain a single sheet of material which is used to clean a surface by hand or a sheet of material which can be attached to a cleaning implement, such as a mop for the floor or a tool for cleaning to be held by hand, such as a dust remover.

As used herein, the term "debris" means articles which typically need to be removed during a cleaning process. This term is intended to include, but is not limited to hair (both human and pet), dandruff (both human and pet), food particles, for example breadcrumbs, pastries, and cookies and the like, and the grass, the earth, the exfoliated skin, and other such items.

Detailed description of the invention The present invention provides a sheet for simple cleaning which allows a user to dry clean a surface with a cleaning sheet that attracts dust, dirt and other particles, while providing absorbency to absorb any cleaning fluid used in a subsequent cleaning operation, in particular for stains and other debris or dirt which is not attracted to the dry cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet of the present invention has a first surface and a second surface, wherein the first surface is on an opposite side of the sheet for cleaning of the second surface, and the first surface is prepared of a first material which has the ability to attract and retain soil, dust and other debris while the second surface is prepared from a second material that has the ability to absorb fluids.

In order to obtain a better understanding of the present invention, the attention is directed to Figure 1. In Figure 1, a cleaning sheet 100 having a first side 111, prepared from a first material 110, and a second one is shown. side 121, prepared from a second material 120. The first surface 111 of the cleaning sheet 100 is prepared from a material which has a structure that may have the ability to attract and retain dirt, dust and other debris. The second surface 121 of the cleaning sheet is prepared from a second material 120 which will be able to absorb fluids.

In another aspect of the present invention, one of both of the first and second materials may be a laminate of two or more materials. This is shown in Figure 2A, which shows a cleaning sheet 200 having a first side 211, prepared from a first material which has a structure that may have the ability to attract and retain soil, dust and other debris, and a second side 221, prepared from a second material 220. The second material is shown as a laminate of two materials 222 and 224. One or both of the materials may be absorbent, provided that the total property of the second material 220 is so that the material can absorb fluids. As shown in Figure 2A, the two layers are coextensive. However, as shown in Figure 2B, one of the layers may be contained within another layer such that one of the layers 222 extends to an outer surface of the sheet for cleaning. For example, in Figure 2B, the lid 224 does not extend out to the surface of the sheet for cleaning.

The first materials is a material which has the ability to attract and retain dirt, dust and other debris. Any material can be used to form this layer a surface of the sheet to clean, which include woven, knitted and non-woven materials, as long as the selected material has the ability to attract and retain soil, dust and other detritus . From the point of view of cost and of the properties obtained, the material is desirably a non-woven material.

Exemplary nonwoven materials, commonly referred to as "non-woven fabrics", include non-woven fabrics of monocomponent, multi-constituent, or multi-component fibers. Additionally, the shape of the fibers may be round or have a desired shape, such as multiple lobe fibers. Examples of non-woven fabrics useful in (the dry cleaning layer include non-woven fabrics spun-bonded, non-woven fabrics blown with melt, air-laid non-woven fabrics, and carded non-woven fabrics bonded together.

The non-woven fabrics of the present invention can be prepared from any thermoplastic polymer. Polymers suitable for the present invention include polyols, polyesters, polyamides, polycarbonates, polyurethanes, polyvinylchloride, polytetrafluoroethylene, polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, biodegradable polymers such as acid, polylactic and copolymers and the mixtures thereof. Suitable polyols include polyethylene, for example, high density polyethylene, medium density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and linear low density polyethylene; polypropylene, for example, isotactic polypropylene, syndiotactic polypropylene, mixtures of isotactic polypropylene and atactic polypropylene, and mixtures thereof; polybutylene, for example, poly (1-butene) and poly (2-butene); polypentene, for example, poly (1-pentene) and poly (2-pentene); poly (3-methyl-1-pentene); poly (4-methyl-1-pentene); and the copolymers and mixtures thereof. Suitable copolymers include random and block copolymers prepared from two or more different unsaturated ol monomers, such as ethylene / propylene and ethylene / butylene copolymers. Suitable polyamides include nylon 6, nylon 6/6, nylon 4/6, nylon 11, nylon 12, nylon 6/10, 6/12 nylon, 12/12 nylon, and the copolymers of caprolactam and alkylene oxide diamine, and the like, as well as the mixtures and copolymers of the same. Suitable polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, polytetramethylene terephthalate, polycyclohexylene-1,4-dimethylene terephthalate, and isophthalate copolymers thereof, as well as mixtures thereof. .

Many polyolefins are available for the production of fibers, for example polyethylenes such as linear low density polyethylene ASPUN 6811A, 2553 LLDPE and 25355 and high density polyethylene 12350 from Dow Chemical are such suitable polymers. Polyethylenes have melt flow rates in grams per 10 minutes at 190 ° F and a load of 2.16 kilograms, of around 26, 40, 25 and 12, respectively. Polypropylenes that form fiber include ESCORENE PD3445 polypropylene from Exxon Chemical Company. Many other polyolefins are commercially available and can generally be used in the present invention.

The polymers used to make the non-woven fabric may contain additives, such as surfactants or slip agents, to assist in the sliding of the sensitive surface against the non-woven material. Other additives, such as pigments, dyes, processing aids and the like can be added to the polymer before fiber formation, provided that the additives do not adversely affect the ability of the non-woven fabric to be collected and retained. dirt, dust and / or debris and / or the ability of non-woven fabric to absorb liquids. Ferroelectric materials, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,162,535 issued to Turkevich et al., Assigned to the transferor of this invention, and incorporated in their entirety by reference, may also be added to the fibers. . Additionally, other polymeric additives, such as the maleic anhydride telomeres may also be added, for example to provide stability of the electrode.

The fibers of the non-woven fabrics useful in the present invention include the monocomponent fibers, which mean fibers prepared from a polymer component, multi-constituent fibers, or multi-component fibers. Multi-component filaments may, for example, have either a side-by-side A / B or A / B / A configuration, or a sheath-core configuration, where one polymer component surrounds another polymer component.

Of these non-woven fabrics, the non-woven fabrics bonded with spinning. has found that they are effective in attracting and retaining particles. The fibers produced in the spinning process are usually in the range of from about 5 to about 50 microns in average diameter, depending on the process conditions and the desired end use for the fabrics to be produced from such fibers. For example, increasing the molecular weight of the polymer or lowering the processing temperature results in larger diameter fibers. Changes in submerged fluid temperature and pneumatic suction pressure can also affect the diameter of the fiber. The fibers used in the practice of this invention usually have average diameters in the range of from about 7 to about 35 microns, more particularly from about 15 to about 25 microns. Exemplary spunbonded fiber fabrics useful in the present invention include those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 issued to Pike et al., In U.S. Patent No. 5,874,460 issued to Keck, in U.S. Patent No. 5,460,884 issued to Kobylivker et al., In U.S. Patent No. 5,858,515 issued to Stokes et al., In U.S. Patent No. 5,707,735. granted to Midkiff and others, and in the United States patent of America No. 6,200, 669 granted to Marmon et al .; the complete contents of each of the above references are incorporated herein by reference.

From this described spunbonded material, the non-woven fabrics bonded with Pike multi-component pleated fiber yarn and others are very effective in retaining particles within the non-woven structure. The fibers used to produce the fabric of this invention are multi-component fibers. While these multi-component fibers are produced and cooled, the coefficients that differ from the expansion of the polymers can cause these fibers to bend and ultimately to curl, something similar to the action of the bimetallic strip in a thermostat for a conventional room. Pleated fibers are described in U.S. Patent No. 5, 382, 400 wherein the fibers are pleated with the same air that is used to pull them. The air to pull sufficiently hot activates the lacy helical pleating of the fibers while the fibers are produced and before they are deposited in the forming wire. Pleated fibers have an advantage over uncurled fibers in that they produce a more bulky fabric, thereby increasing the void space within the non-woven fabric. The larger vacuum space is a desirable feature for cleaning blades, as larger vacuums may allow for the collection and retention of large particles of dirt, dust and / or debris. Therefore, pleated fibers are somewhat more desirable than fibers without curling on the sheets for cleaning. Additionally, the degree of pleating can be controlled by. Control the temperature of the pulling air, so it provides a mechanism to control the density of the fabric. Generally, a higher air temperature produces a higher number of pleats. This allows one to change the density and volume that results, and the sheet size distribution of vacuum to clean that results by simply adjusting the air temperature in the fiber pull unit.

Other non-woven fabrics having the activity of attracting and retaining particles are the non-woven fabrics formed of multi-lobed, multiple-component fibers. These non-woven fabrics are described in the patent application of the United States of America No. 10/021, 637, filed December 12, 2001, by Keck et al., Which is hereby incorporated by reference, also have collected and retained ground, dust and / or described within the structure of: the non-woven fabric . The multi-lobed, multi-lobed fibers have "lobes" separated by depressed regions which allow the non-woven fabric to attract keeping the absorbed particles in place within the non-woven structure. The multi-component, multi-lobed, formed fiber tips increase the surface area which provides for improved surface contract, which in turn provides for the improved collection of soil, dust and / or detritus from the sheet. to clean. Additionally, the multiple lobesi form of the fibers "also creates voids within the structure of the non-woven fabric which allows for the retention of dirt, dust and / or debris within the non-woven fabric.

These multi-component fibers can be split, and pleated and bonded with continuous air among many other properties and bonding options. Combining these advantages of retention and of collected of particle and of liquid of the fibers of multiple lobes with. The processing advantages of multi-component fiber results in a non-woven fabric which has highly desirable properties needed in the sheets to clean. Additionally, the fibers of the present invention have improved processing ability and can provide a number of different non-woven fabrics having properties, which can be adjusted to the needs of the end user.

Preferred forms for multi-lobed fibers are those described in US Pat. Nos. 5,069,970 and 5,057,368 issued to Largman et al., Assigned to Allied Signal, Inc., hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety, which describe fibers with unconventional shapes. Additionally, the fibers formed are also described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,314,743; 5,342,336 and 5,458,963 granted to Meirowitz and others, here incorporated by reference in their entirety. Additionally, fibers formed of multiple components are also shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,707,735 issued to Midkiff et al., Which is also incorporated by reference in its entirety, may also be used in the first layer of the invention. I presented invention. Fibers having the shapes and configurations of the '735 patent can also be used in the present invention. Generally, the multiple lobe fibers of the present invention may have between 2 and 10 lobes, but preferably have between 2 and 5 lobes.

In the present invention, the nonwoven fabric of the first layer will typically have a bulk density of about 0.01 to about 0.2 grams per cubic centimeter. Preferably, the sheets for cleaning may have a volume density of about 0.015 to about 0.075 grams per cubic centimeter and ideally about 0.02 to about 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter. Additionally, the nonwoven fabric of the first layer for the cleaning sheets of the present invention and may have base weights in the range from about 0.25 ounces per square yard (8.5 grams per square meter) to about 25 ounces per square yard. (850 grams per square meter). The actual base weight of the nonwoven material is dependent on the final use of the sheet for cleaning. It is desirable that the basis weight be in the range of about 0.5 ounces per square yard (17 grams (per square meter) to about 10 · ounces per square yard (340 grams per square meter), and preferably about 1.0 ounces per square yard. square yard (34 grams per square meter) up to about 5 ounces per square yard (170 grams per square meter), for many applications.

To additionally improve the ability of the first layer to attract and retain particles, the first layer can be subjected to an electro treatment that can be carried out by a number of different techniques. One technique is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,401,446 issued to Tsai and others assigned to the Research Corporation of the University of Tennessee and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Tsai describes a process by which a fabric or film is sequentially subjected to a series of electric fields such that the adjacent electric fields have substantially opposite polarities with respect to each other. Therefore, one side of the fabric or the film is subjected to a positive charge while the other side of the fabric or the film is initially subjected to a negative charge. Then, the first side of the fabric of the film is subjected to a negative charge and the other side of the fabric or film is subjected to a positive charge. Such fabrics are produced with a relatively higher charge density without any concomitant static electric charge. The process can be carried out by passing the fabric through a plurality of scattered non-arched electric fields or which can be varied over a range depending on the desired load on the fabric. The fabric can be loaded in a range of about 1 kVDC per centimeter to about 25 kVDC per centimeter or more particularly about 4 kVDC per centimeter to about 12 kVDC per centimeter and still more particularly about 7 kVDC per centimeter to about of 8 kVDC per centimeter.

The load stability of the electrode can be further improved by grafting polar end groups into the polymers of the multi-component fibers. Additionally, barium tita and other polar materials can be mixed with the polymers to improve the treatment of eléctreto. Appropriate mixtures are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,162,535 issued to Turkevich et al., Assigned to the assignor of this invention and in PCT publication WO 00/00267 issued to Myers et al.

Other methods of treatment of electret are known in the art such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,215,682 issued 1 to Kubik et al., U.S. Patent No. 4,375,718 issued to Wadsworth, U.S. Patent No. 4,592,815 issued to Nakao and the patent of (the United States of America No. 4, 874, 65'9 granted to Ando, each here incorporated in its entirety by reference.

The second surface is prepared from a material which can absorb fluids. Any absorbent material can be used in this layer, which includes, but is not limited to, the materials of foams, fabrics, knits and nonwovens.

The absorbent layer may comprise a material or combion of materials that provide good absorbency. The absorbent layer desirably has a substantially uniform thickness. Additionally, the absorbent layer is desirably delegated yet provides adequate absorbent capacity. In addition, the absorbent layer desirably comprises a material which is flexible to water and maintains good absorbency after absorption of the cleaning fluid. In this aspect, the absorbent layer desirably is capable of substantially retaining its shape and stiffness when wet so as to avoid accumulation and / or rolling during use. The absorbent layer desirably has an absorbency (eg, absorbent capacity) of at least about 5 g / g, and still more desirably an absorbency of at least about 15 g / g. Additionally, the absorbent layer desirably has a thickness of less than about 1.25 centimeters and still more desirably between about 0.3 centimeters and about 1.25 centimeters. In addition, as previously indicated, the absorbent material desirably has a length and / or a width that allows it to form fins having the desired dimensions.

The absorbent layer, in one aspect, may comprise a stabilized blend or binder of pulp and substantially continuous thermoplastic fibers and / or thermoplastic short fibers. The absorbent layer desirably comprises a combination or blend of thermoplastic fibers and an absorbent material therein sent to which the pulp or other absorbent is substantially held in place. The absorbent material may comprise coform materials although other suitable absorbent fabrics comprising a combination of thermoplastic fibers and absorbent material may likewise be used in accordance with the present invention. Exemplary coform materials are described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent No. 5,284,703 to Everhart et al., In U.S. Patent No. 5,350,624 to Georger et al., In the United States patent. United States No. 4,784,892 issued to Maddern et al. And United States of America No. 4,100,324 issued to Anderson et al .; the specific contents of each of the above references are incorporated herein by reference. The term "coform materials" generally refers to composite materials comprising a stabilized binder of thermoplastic fibers and a second non-thermoplastic material. As an example, the coform materials can be made by a process in which at least one meltblown die head assembly is arranged near a channel through which the pulp and / or other absorbent materials are added to the tissue while it is forming. Suitable absorbers include, but are not limited to, fibrous organic materials such as wood pulp and non-wood pulp such as cotton, rayon, recycled paper, wood pulp fluff, cellulose and / or fibers. cellulosic short, and also include inorganic absorbent materials such as superabsorbent materials and / or treated polymeric short fibers. As a particular example, the coform material desirably has a basis weight of between about 20 grams per square meter and about 250 grams per square meter and desirably comprises about 5% to about 80% by weight of thermoplastic polymer fibers with the rest is secondary material, for example 20 to 95% by weight. As a specific example, the coform material may comprise blown fibers with polypropylene melt and wood pulp. Generally, the thermoplastic fibers form about 30 to 60% by weight of the absorbent layer and the secondary material, desirably pulp, forms about 70 to 40% by weight of the absorbent layer.

Additional absorbent materials suitable for use in forming the absorbent layer also include densified pulp products such as, for example, those described in commonly assigned United States Patent No. 6, 368, 609, issued to Fontenot et al. U.S. Patent No. 5,779,860 issued to Hollenberg et al .; the complete contents of each of the aforementioned references are incorporated herein by reference. In order to achieve improved wet flexibility, the absorbent layer desirably comprises a composite structure of pulp and thermoplastic polymer fibers. As a specific example, the absorbent mat may comprise an air-laid composite made of pulp fibers and at least about 2% by weight of two-component fibers. The pulp fibers are desirably mixed with the bicomponent fibers in such a manner so as to produce a composite laid with substantially homogeneous air. The two-component fibers desirably include a first polymer component and a second polymer component, wherein the first polymer component is melted at a temperature lower than the melting temperature of the second polymer component. As an example, the two component fibers may comprise polyethylene / polyester (sheath / core) fibers having a length of less than about 1.5 inches (3.81 centimeters) with a denier between about 1.5 to 4. The pulp fibers may have one average fiber length of at least about 2 millimeters, preferably 2 to 3 millimeters, and desirably present within the compound in the range of about 70 to 98% per, weight of the compound. Various pulp fibers can be used, including but not limited to thermomechanical pulp fibers, quimitermomechanical pulp fibers, chemo-mechanical pulp fibers, refined mechanical pulp fibers, wood pulp fibers and ground fibers, Mechanical pulp fibers of peroxides and so on. After forming the mat, the air-laid composite is preferably heated such that at least a portion of the first polymer component of the two-component fibers is melted, thereby binding the two-component fibers to the pulp and fibers of two components when cooled. The moisture may then optionally be added to the composite to further facilitate the bond when the compound is subsequently subjected to calendering. The compound laid with air is desirably calendered from an initial thickness of about 0.50 inches to 0.75 inches (1.27 to 1.91 centimeters) and density of about 0.02 to 0.05 grams per cubic centimeter. The pulp compound may be calendered or compressed as desired to achieve an absorbent mat having the desired thickness and absorbency characteristics. The air-laid composite can be calendered before or after incorporation into the sheet for cleaning. In one aspect, the pulp composite can be compressed to a pressure of about 800 to 4,000 pounds per linear inch (pli) (143 to 715 kilograms per linear centimeter) to form a thin, calendered, air-laid composite having a thickness of the base weight ratio of 3.0 x 10 ~ 3 millimeters per 1 gram per square meter to 1.0 x 10 ~ 3 millimeters per 1 gram per square meter, a thickness of 0.025 to 0.15 centimeters and a density of 0.1 grams per cubic centimeter or more .

Desirably, the absorbent layer is a coform material containing between 40 to 70% by weight of pulp and 60 to 30% by weight of a thermoplastic polymer, desirably, polypropylene from a cost point of view. Another desirable absorbent layer is a two-layer absorbent coform material having a layer which contacts the surface to be cleaned containing about 30 to 50% by weight of pulp and 70 to 50% by weight of thermoplastic polymer and a second layer , which directly does not contact the surface to be cleaned that contains around 60 a; 80% by weight of pulp and 40 to 20% by weight of thermoplastic polymer, desirably polypropylene.

The absorbent layer, described above, can be used alone or in combination with other layers, as shown in Figure 2. If an additional layer is present, the additional layer can also be an absorbent layer. Alternatively, the additional layer may be a layer which protects the absorbent layer from damage, but allows the cleaning fluid to be absorbed to pass through the outer layer of the absorbent layer. This type of layer is often referred to as a liquid transfer layer.

The liquid transfer layer desirably comprises a highly porous material that readily allows and / or facilitates the transfer of liquids on and off the sheet for cleaning. Additionally, the liquid transfer layer also needs to be durable and strong enough to withstand the rigors associated with hard surface cleaning. Desirably the liquid transfer layer has a minimum Grab Tension of about 7 kilograms. Additionally, the liquid transfer layer and desirably has a minimum abrasion resistance of at least 500 cycles (as measured by the Reciprocal Abrasion Test) and still more desirably has a minimum abrasion resistance of at least 1,000 cycles. . In addition, the transfer layer of the liquid desirably has a sufficient degree of aperture to have a Frazier Porosity of at least about 200 cubic feet per square foot per minute. The liquid transfer layer or desirably comprises a material having a basis weight below about 64 grams per meter, square, and still more desirably a material having a basis weight of between about 15 grams per square meter and about 50 grams per square meter. An exemplary material comprises spunbonded fiber fabrics such as, for example, those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 issued to Pike et al., In U.S. Patent No. 5,874,460 issued. to Keck, in U.S. Patent No. 5,460,884 issued to Kobylivker et al., in U.S. Patent No. 5,858,515 issued to Stokes et al., in U.S. Patent No. 5,707,735 issued to Midkiff et al., And in United States of America Patent No. 6,200,669 issued to Marmon et al .; the complete contents of each of the aforesaid references are incorporated herein by reference. The fibers can be round or have one or more varied shapes such as, for example, the multi-lobed, wedge-shaped, crescent-shaped, ribbon-shaped and so on. Additionally, fabrics and perforated films are also very suitable for use as or in the liquid transfer layer. Perforated non-woven fabrics of example 'include, but are not limited to, those described in the United States patent. of America No. 5,858,504 granted to Fitting, in the patent of the United States of America No. (5,188,625 granted to Van Iten and others, in the patent of the United States of America No. 5,620,779 granted to Levy and others, in the patent of the United States of America No. 3,949,127 issued to Ostermeier et al., and in United States of America No. 4,154,885 issued to Tecl et al.; the complete contents of each of the aforesaid references are incorporated herein by reference. Additionally, open or highly porous fabrics having irregular or varied surfaces, for example projections or corrugations, are also believed to be suitable for use in the present. invention. Exemplary materials of this type include, but are not limited to, those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,741,941 issued to Englebert et al., In U.S. Patent No. 4,970,104 issued to Radwanski and in U.S. Patent No. 5,643,653 issued to Griesbach et al .; the complete contents of each of the aforesaid references are incorporated herein by reference. In addition, the liquid transfer layer may comprise a perforated film. Perforated films are believed to be suitable for use with the present invention and methods for making same are described in United States of America No. 4,280,978 issued to Danhiem, in United States of America No. 5,370,764 issued to Alikhan and U.S. Patent No. 5,262,107 to Hovis et al. Additionally, in the liquid distribution layer it can comprise laminates of multiple layers of two or more materials. As a particular example, the liquid distribution layer may comprise a perforated / laminated film of non-woven fabric. Desirably, in the liquid transfer layer it is a material bonded with unbonded yarn with unbonded pattern or bonding pattern.

An additional layer may be present on the sheet to clean. A liquid barrier cap can be placed between the first layer and the second layer, to prevent the cleaning fluid that is absorbed from penetrating the first layer or the dry cleaning layer. The attention is directed to Figure 3, which shows the cleaning sheet 101 having a barrier cover 130, placed between the first layer 110 and the second layer 120.

The barrier layer desirably comprises material that substantially prevents the transmission of liquids under the pressures and chemical environments associated with the applications for cleaning a surface. Desirably, the liquid barrier layer comprises a thin, monolithic film. The film desirably comprises a thermoplastic polymer such as, for example, polyolefins (e.g., polypropylene and polyethylene), polycondensates (e.g., polyamines, polyesters, polycarbonates, and polyarylates), polyols, polydienes, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyacrylates, polyacetals, polyimides, cellulose esters, polystyrenes, fluoropolymers and so on. Desirably the hydrophobic film. Additionally, the film desirably has a thickness of less than about 2 mils and still more desirably between about 0.5 mils and about 1 mil. As a particular example, the barrier cap of the liquid may comprise a embossed polyethylene film having a thickness of about 1 mil.

Additionally, one or more of the polymeric components within the sheet for cleaning may contain minor amounts of compatibilizing agents, dyes, pigments, optical brighteners, opacifying agents, ultraviolet light stabilizers, antistatic agents, wetting agents, to improve the abrasion resistance, nucleating agents, refilling time and / or other additives and processing aids. As an example, the liquid barrier cap may contain opacifying agents, for example Ti02, in order to provide a film, substantially opaque, white.

The layers of the sheet to be cleaned and are joined together using any appropriate means, such as the adhesive bond, the thermal bond, in the ultrasonic joint, the known mechanical and the like. Desirably, thermal bonding is used.

As previously indicated herein, the cleaning sheets of the present invention are very suitable for use with a variety of cleaning equipment and, more particularly, are readily capable of being freely coupled to the head of a tool for cleaning. As used herein, "loosely coupled" or "freely engaged" means that the sheet can easily be attached to and then easily removed from the tool for cleaning. Referring to Figure 4, the cleaning tool 240 may comprise a handle 248, a head 244 and fasteners 246. The cleaning sheet 243 may be superimposed with and placed against the head 244. The fins 247 may then be wrapped around the head 244 and freely coupled head room 244 by means of fasteners 246, for example clamps. With the cleaning sheet 243 fixed to the head 244, the cleaning tool 240 can then be used. As examples, the size and / or shape of the handle may vary, the head may be fixed or movable (eg pivoted) relative to the handle, the shape and / or size of the head may vary, etc. In addition, the composition of the head and by itself varies, as in an example the head may comprise a rigid structure with or without additional filling. In another configuration, one of the layers of the cleaning sheet can be extended past the cleaning surface, so that it forms fins or wings 247. These or the fins can have different shapes and can be used to attach the sheet to clean using an appropriate means described above. In addition, the mechanism (s) for attaching the cleaning sheet may vary and the example coupling means include, but are not limited to, the hook type curl fasteners (eg VELCRO fasteners), clamps, clips of pressure, buttons, fins, webbing, low tack adhesives and so on.

In the u.so of the cleaning sheet of the present invention, the surface to be cleaned is first wiped with the first side, the side to clean dry. This may cause dust, dirt and other loose detritus to be trapped in the dry clean part of the blade to clean. Once the surface is wiped and with the dry cleaning part of the cleaning sheet, the cleaning sheet is then turned over and the absorbent side of the cleaning sheet is used to absorb and fluid is applied to clean the surface be cleaned, so it is removed from any dirt or stains physically coupled to the surface to be cleaned.

And emplos Various cleaning concepts of the present invention were prepared.

One ounce per square yard ((osy), 33.9 grams per square meter, (gsm)) prepared, according to U.S. Patent No. 5,858,515 issued to Stokes was unwound to form a wire. Applied to this spunbonded material is the coform which has a mixture of about 50% by weight of pulp and 50% by weight of polypropylene, prepared according to the United States of America Patent No. 4,100,324 granted to Anderson. The layers were thermally bonded together and the cleaning sheet that resulted had a basis weight of about 250 grams per square meter (7.4 ounces per square yard).

A high volume spunbonded, having a basis weight of 61 grams per square meter (1.8 ounces per square yard) prepared in accordance with U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 issued to Pike was unraveled and placed in a training wire. In the high volume spunbond, a first layer of coform was placed having a mixture of about 70% by weight of pulp and 30% by weight of polypropylene, prepared according to the patent of the United States of America. 4,100,324 awarded to Anderson. In the first coform layer a second layer of coform was deposited having a mixture of about 50% by weight of pulp and 50% of polypropylene, prepared in accordance with US Pat. No. 4,100, 324 issued to Anderson The layers were thermally bonded together and the cleaning sheet had a basis weight of about 310 grams per square meter (9.1 ounces per square yard).

One united with high volume spinning, which has a basis weight of 61 grams per square meter (1.8 ounces per square yard) prepared according to U.S. Patent No. 5,382,400 issued to Pike was unraveled and placed in a formation wire. In the high volume spunbond, a first layer of coform was placed having a mixture of about 70% by weight of pulp and 30% by weight 'of polypropylene, prepared according to the patent of. United States of America No. 4,100,324 granted to Anderson. In the first coform layer a second layer of coform was deposited having a mixture of about 40% by weight of pulp and 60% of polypropylene, prepared in accordance with the patent of the United States of America No. 4,100,324 granted to Anderson The layers were thermally bonded together and the cleaning sheet had a basis weight of about 161 grams per square meter (4.7 ounces per square yard).

Each cleaning sheet used to clean a surface by first using the joined side with spinning of the sheet to clean to remove particles and the opposite side of the sheet was used to absorb cleaning fluid used to clean the surface after the particles were removed. removed. Each cleaning sheet exhibited good dry cleaning properties and absorbing a fluid to clean and dirt. Additionally, the unbonded layer with unbonded pattern and bonding pattern and in the first sample provided a loop means for coupling the sheet to clean an impediment having hooks.

Although the embodiments of the invention described herein are presently preferred, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is indicated in the appended claims, and all changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents are intended to be encompassed here.-

Claims (20)

1. CLAIMS 1. A cleaning sheet comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is an opposite side of the cleaning sheet from the second side, the first side comprises a first material which has a structure with the ability to attract and retain, dirt, dust and other debris and the second side comprises a material which has the ability to absorb fluids. 2. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the first material comprises a non-woven fabric and the second material comprises a non-woven fabric. 3. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 2, characterized in that the non-woven fabric comprises monocomponent fibers, multiple constituents and / or multiple components. 4. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 3, characterized in that the non-woven fabric of the first material comprises a non-woven fabric selected from the group consisting of non-woven fabrics bonded with spinning, non-woven fabrics blown with melting, fabrics not woven placed by air and non-woven fabrics carded and joined. 5. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 4, characterized in that the first material comprises a non-woven fabric joined with spinning. 6. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 5, characterized in that the fibers joined with yarn comprise fibers of multiple components. 7. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that, the second material comprises a non-woven fabric. 8. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 7, characterized in that the second non-woven fabric comprises a non-woven fabric comprising a mixture of thermoplastic fibers and an absorbent material. 9. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 8 characterized in that, the absorbent material comprises pulp and / or super absorbent material. 10. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the thermoplastic fibers comprise between 5% and 80% by weight of the thermoplastic polymers and between 95% and 20% by weight of the pulp and / or the super absorbent. and 47 11. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 10, characterized in that the first material comprises a non-woven fabric joined with spinning. 12. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 1 further characterized in that it comprises a barrier layer placed between the first layer and the second layer. 10. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that the barrier layer comprises a film. 14. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the second surface comprises a laminate of at least two materials. 15. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 14 characterized in that, the second side comprises an absorbent layer and a liquid transfer layer .. 16. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 15 characterized in that, the absorbent layer between 5% and 80% by weight of the thermoplastic fibers and between 95% and 20% by weight of pulp and / or super absorbent and the The liquid transfer layer comprises a nonwoven fabric bonded with yarn. 17. The cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that, the first side comprises a non-woven fabric joined with spinning and the second side comprises an absorbent layer and a liquid transfer layer, the absorbent layer comprises between 5% and 80% by weight of the thermoplastic fibers and between 95% and 20% by weight of pulp and / or the super absorbent and the liquid transfer layer comprises a non-woven fabric joined with spinning. 18. A cleaning implement that includes: a. a handle; b. a head; and c. a removable cleaning sheet; wherein the head is connected to the handle, the removable cleaning sheet is attached removably to the head and the cleaning sheet that can be removed comprises the cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 1. 19. A cleaning implement that includes: a. a handle; b. a head; and c. a removable ho sweeper; wherein the head is connected to the handle, the removable cleaning sheet is removably attached to the head and the cleaning sheet comprises the cleaning sheet as claimed in clause 17. 20. A method (for cleaning a surface, comprising cleaning the surface with the first side of the cleaning panel of clause 1, applying a cleaning fluid to the surface, a cleaning cloth to the surface with the second side of the cleaning sheet as such and as claimed in clause 1 to absorb the cleaning fluid applied to the surface. SUMMARY The present invention provides a unique cleaning sheet which allows a user to dry clean a surface with a cleaning sheet that attracts dust, dirt, debris and other particles, while providing absorbency to absorb any cleaning fluid used in the cleaning process. a subsequent cleaning operation, in particular for stains and other debris or dirt which can not be attracted to the cleaning sheet. The cleaning sheet of the present invention has a first side and a second side, the first side is on an opposite side of the cleaning sheet from the second side, wherein the first side has the ability to attract and retain dust, dirt , waste and other particles and the second side has the ability to absorb fluids. A method for cleaning a surface using the cleaning sheet of the present invention is also described.